PNP lifts BMI as requirement for promotion

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has suspended the implementation of its policy mandating a healthy body mass index (BMI) as one of the requirements for promotion under the PNP’s revised comprehensive health and physical fitness program.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said yesterday in a text message he has approved the recommendation of the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) to put on hold the BMI requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic wherein physical and outdoor activities are limited.

The BMI is computed by dividing a person’s weight in kilos by the height in meters squared.

The DPRM, in a memorandum dated June 29, said it received an appeal from the Police Non-Commissioned Officers Police Movement Organization, saying the implementation of the policy is detrimental and considered as a form of discrimination against police officers who are overweight.

While obesity is one of the comorbidities of COVID-19, the DPRM said it is advisable for PNP members to gradually lose weight rather than work toward a rapid decline, which could result in complications.

“The current situation of the country limits the conduct of physical and outdoor activities which prevents the personnel from achieving their required BMI,” the DPRM said.

The DPRM added that police personnel who are assigned in lower units are struggling to achieve a healthy BMI due to their work schedule and the fight against COVID-19.